Your Winnipeg Invisalign® Provider
There is a list of foods you can and can't eat after having teeth extracted. In this blog, our Winnipeg dentists share some examples of the food you are allowed to eat and the ones you should avoid in the days after you have had teeth removed.
If you have damaged teeth that are threatening the health of your other healthy teeth, your dentist might recommend a tooth extraction. They will tell you to maintain a healthy diet of soft foods until you are recovered.
Though your schedule might be different based on your dentist’s recommendations and other elements, we have generated a general timeline of food you should be able to safely eat during the different periods of your recovery. We have also provided several key facts of when you might be able to start eating your regular foods again.
Why should I only eat soft, healthy foods after having a tooth removed?
While tooth extractions are common procedures, maintaining a diet of soft healthy foods, managing self-care, and following your dentist's, instructions are essential to making sure you have a smooth recovery.
By doing this you are helping avoid the development of infection or complications, which could result from food particles or bacteria getting stuck in the extraction site.
What foods can I eat after having a tooth extraction?
For 3 to 5 days
Ideally, you will want to make sure you eat plenty of mushy, soft foods and drink lots of liquids for the first 3 to 5 days, this could include:
- Broths (filled with minerals and essential vitamins to help you recover)
- Smoothies
- Pudding
- Potatoes (regular, mashed, or sweet)
- Pureed or mashed vegetables such as squash or carrots
- Regular ice cream or banana ice cream
- Apple sauce
- Yogurt
- Blended soups (easy to eat, hydrating, and rich in nutrients)
- Seedless, pureed fruit
- Jell-O
As you begin healing, gradually reintroduce more regular, semi-soft foods such as:
- Scrambled eggs
- Macaroni and cheese
- Instant oatmeal
- Toast
Wait for any hot foods to cool before consuming them, and keep the area clean following your dentist’s recommendations. Also, remember to take your medications as prescribed.
Which foods will I need to avoid?
For 1 Week or More
For those first several days, the extraction site will be vulnerable to infection. You will want to avoid foods that could inflame the area or cause complications, such as:
- Alcohol
- Grains (quinoa, rice)
- Seeds
- Spicy or acidic foods (peppers, citrus juice)
- Crunchy, tough, or crumbly foods (hamburgers, jerky, popcorn, pizza, etc.)
For 2 to 4 Weeks
These snack foods might be some of your favorites but, you shouldn't eat them until you have made a full recovery because they could get stuck in your wound and interrupt healing.
- Chips
- Nuts
- Popcorn
How long till I can start eating normally again after having a tooth extracted?
Many patients find they can eat normal food again within a week of having teeth removed. Eating a diet full of delicious, healthy, and soft foods in the days and weeks following a tooth extraction is imperative to your quick recovery.
As long as you consume the right foods – and avoid foods that may delay or hamper your recovery – you’ll feel more comfortable and help reduce your risk of infection.